One of the most common types of photographs is the group photo. They happen at weddings, camps, parties, sporting events, school etc. Problems include:
- one or more subjects looking away or in different directions
- subjects blinking
- someone is missing from the photo
- different moods in the group (some smiling, serious, playing up to the camera etc.)
- the group being too far away, or to large to fit into the shot
Take Control
There are a number of things you can do to help improve your chances of getting the shot you’re after.
"It is important to keep talking to the group, let them know what you want them to do, motivate them to smile, tell them that they look great ,and communicate how much longer you'll need them for.
Also important is to give your subjects a reason to pose for the photograph. For example at a wedding you might motivate people to pose by saying ‘((insert name of couple being married here)) have asked me to get some group shots’ or at a sporting event ‘lets take a group photo to celebrate our win’. When you give people a reason to pose for you you’ll find they are much more willing to take a few minutes to pose for you.
Another very useful line to use with group is: ‘If you can see the camera it can see you’. This one is key if you want to be able to see each person’s face in the shot."—Digital Photography School
For 12 more really good ideas click here.
Related: "13 Tips For Photographing Children"
Photo: Jessica Bender (Flickr)
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